Get Moving

Physical activity is important for strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Any type of movement, from taking the stairs to doing oblique workouts, is beneficial to your overall health. Work in movement however you can. Go for walks on your lunch break. Do a few stretches in the kitchen while you’re cooking dinner. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you can carve out time in your daily schedule for a structured workout, do so. Try to fit in aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises. Don’te be afraid to try new things like the thrive experience. If you find that you only have time for a proper workout on the weekends or less often, don’t be discouraged. Enjoy your structured routines, and do what you can during the week to move more.

Eat Right

Food is what gives your body energy to function. In general, the quality of the food you eat directly affects the quality of your day-to-day functioning. When discussing food, high quality does not necessarily mean high priced. There are a variety of affordable foods that are nutritionally dense. Dried beans, for example, are cheap and healthy. Other affordable options include:

• Canned fish 

• Milk 

• Apples 

• Bananas 

• Broccoli 

• Carrots  

For those in a hurry, there are many easy and nutritious meals that you can prepare instead of choosing fast food or a frozen meal. Some healthy meals, such as vegetable soup, are great to make in bulk and freeze in single-serve containers for a quick lunch or dinner later on.

Sleep Well

Sleep gives your body the chance to repair itself. Many individuals struggle to get enough rest, but there are ways to improve your sleep. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, and minimize napping. Make sure your room is cool, dark and quiet. Your mattress should be comfortable and supportive. A mattress topper is a great way to improve the quality of your bed without spending hundreds on a new mattress.

Socialize and Relax

Socialization and relaxation are often the first things to get cut out when life gets busy. However, these activities are critical for wellbeing. Spending time with friends and family fosters a sense of community. It gives you the opportunity to seek advice and engage in enjoyable activities. Relaxation allows you to quiet your mind and think more clearly. It diminishes the physical effects of stress on the body. For some individuals, certain types of socialization are also a form of relaxation. Take your personality into consideration when deciding how much time to spend with loved ones and how much time to spend relaxing alone.

Go to the Doctor

Most people don’t like going to the doctor. However, it is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Doctors help patients deal with specific concerns as well as perform tests to catch problems early. Many insurance policies fully cover certain preventive measures, such as annual physicals. If you don’t have insurance, use this tool to find free and affordable care in your area. Additionally, your local health department may offer free or low-cost services. No matter where you receive care, share all your concerns with your provider and ask questions to better understand your situation.

Researchers are continually advancing knowledge about health and wellness, but the basics are the same as always. By focusing on the key elements, most individuals can improve their quality of life.

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